Schools in Mayo receive €1.58m to support ICT infrastructure

Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has warmly welcomed news that Mayo school will receive 1.58m grants to spend on ICT infrastructure.

  • 161 Mayo Primary schools set to receive €876,592
  • 26 Mayo Secondary school set to receive  €712,027 

 

Deputy Dillon said, “Minister for Education and Skills, Norma Foley TD, has confirmed that primary and post-primary schools in Mayo are set to receive grants in early December for the purchase of key technology such as PCs, laptops, tablets and projectors. The grant can also be spent on Cloud based tools and software applications to support learning.

“This is part of a €50 million investment in ICT infrastructure for all primary and post-primary schools. It is the fifth year of funding under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 which takes total spend on Digital Strategy for Schools ICT Infrastructure Fund to €160 million.”

Deputy Dillon said: “This funding, including €10m for Covid-19 specific measures, will allow schools to put in place robust systems to enable the use of digital technologies within the school, and also provide for remote learning. Those measures can include the purchase of digital devices to loan to students and teachers, software, essential learning platforms and other ICT solutions as determined by the needs of the individual school. It will be paid on an automatic basis to every recognized school in the country.

“There is little doubt that the potential and importance of digital learning and the use of digital technologies has come into sharper focus in light of recent experiences. Digital learning is an essential component of a modern curriculum, and this funding will help schools to equip their students with the skills and competencies they will need to thrive.

“This year’s extended period of school closure has served to underscore the immense value of education and its power in our children and young people’s lives. Investment in education is one of this government’s top priorities.  I am delighted to welcome this funding today to assist schools to support their digital technology programmes, as well as broader teaching and learning.”